Why Do Credit Card Companies Send Fake Plastic Cards

Posted on November 15th, 2008 by Nathan Burke

Okay, this is a little off topic, but why do credit card companies send me fake cards that say “Your Name Here” on them? Check out my ~1 minute video and please tell me:

1. Why do they do it?

2. Is the conversion rate that much higher than pure paper pre-approval notices?

3. What should I do with all these fake cards? Any creative ideas?


 

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2 Responses to “Why Do Credit Card Companies Send Fake Plastic Cards”

  1. Jen Zingsheim, on November 18th, 2008 at 12:55 pm Said:

    Well, my guess is that it’s a ploy to get you to open the envelope instead of just trashing/shredding the whole thing.

    I used to give them to my best friend’s little girl, who loved to play “shopping” with them. After reflecting, this probably is not the thing to do. I just shred the whole thing now.

    I (heart) my heavy-duty shredder…

  2. Jitter Cycling, on November 19th, 2008 at 5:05 pm Said:

    I agree that the possibility of a real CC being in the envelope encourages folks to open it. However, instead of shredding them, I take everything, including the original envelope, stuff it in the postage paid return envelope and send it back. I find this satisfying for a few reasons:

    1. They get charged a nominal fee for the return postage
    2. I don’t have to shred or throw anything away
    3. I annoy some peon at the processing center

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